{By Nicola}
When Kate sent me the invitation to her and Sam’s wedding I knew in a heartbeat that I had to be there. Kate is one of my oldest friends; having spent eight years together in boarding school in Grahamstown from the tender age of 10. The bonds you make here are unbreakable. Friendships that last a lifetime are forged through the shared experiences of making our own fun together every day despite the strictest of rules and regulations, heart breaking homesickness when we all got dropped off after weekends at home, living together in dorms and sharing almost everything for most of the year. I look back at my time at school so fondly precisely because of the amazing friends I made.
With an entire pew of old DSG girls and St Andrews boys sitting in the second row, normally reserved for family I might add, seeing our gorgeous friend Kate walk up the aisle was just an amazing moment to witness. The joy and love I saw between her and Sam was breathtaking and even though I had never met Sam before I knew instantly how perfect they are for each other.
The combination of being both a friend and wedding photographer made me even more acutely aware of each incredible moment unfolding in front of me. There is nothing I could do but what is most instinctive to me, which was to capture what I saw with my camera. Thank you so much to Kate and Sam for letting me be a part of your celebration. You are both very generous of heart and such an example of how two people ought to be together. I am so happy I can give you these photographs for you to always remember exactly what you felt and experienced on your beautiful wedding day.
Kate and Sam were married at Christ Church in Grahamstown and their amazing farm themed reception was held on Hilton Farm. Bunting and rustic lanterns created a lovely and welcoming feel on this beautiful misty day typical of Grahamstown. Guests were treated to delicious South African cuisine; droewors was served with the canapés, biltong featured in the starters and mini milk tarts and koeksisters were enjoyed for dessert. The table plan was set out on vintage window frames and table number four hosted all us old school friends. The charming old shearing shed on the farm was transformed with fairy lights and the most fantastic farm details. Enamel cups and old school Coca Cola bottles were used as vases and little wire windmills, a familiar feature on the Eastern Cape landscape, made the perfect centrepieces for each table. Gorgeous sheep cake toppers received quite a response from admiring guests. The most lovely touch must have been the beaded sheep Kate and Sam had made by two local craftsmen for each guest to take home as a favour.
We danced the night away with Kate and Sam on this perfect perfect day, celebrating their marriage and enjoying the reunion of old school friends. Congratulations to Kate and Sam, may your future be blessed with so much happiness!
